Kansas City has declared a state of emergency because of the snow.Mayor Sly James said the declaration, which was made at 9 a.m., allows officials to evacuate areas where there are threats to public health.It also puts police, fire, essential services on a heightened state of readiness."It allows the city to hopefully provide the best services under the circumstances as possible, and to ensure public safety," James told KMBC-TV.Phases I and II of the City’s Snow Ordinance are in effect. Motorists parked on assigned Emergency Snow Routes face the possibility of vehicles being ticketed or towed. Vehicles without adequate tire tread that get stuck on a major thoroughfare can also be ticketed.The state of emergency is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Friday.Kansas City International Airport was also forced to close due to severe weather conditions.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

Kansas City has declared a state of emergency because of the snow.

Mayor Sly James said the declaration, which was made at 9 a.m., allows officials to evacuate areas where there are threats to public health.

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It also puts police, fire, essential services on a heightened state of readiness.

"It allows the city to hopefully provide the best services under the circumstances as possible, and to ensure public safety," James told KMBC-TV.

Phases I and II of the City’s Snow Ordinance are in effect. Motorists parked on assigned Emergency Snow Routes face the possibility of vehicles being ticketed or towed. Vehicles without adequate tire tread that get stuck on a major thoroughfare can also be ticketed.

The state of emergency is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Friday.

Kansas City International Airport was also forced to close due to severe weather conditions.